Which of the following is NOT a principal greenhouse gas?

• A. Ozone (O\(_3\))
• B. Carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\))
• C. Nitrogen (N\(_2\))
• D. Methane (CH\(_4\))

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases that trap heat from the sun, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Examples include carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), methane (CH\(_4\)), and ozone (O\(_3\)).
2. Step 2: Review the properties of nitrogen (N\(_2\)). Nitrogen is the most abundant gas in Earth's atmosphere, making up about 78%. However, it is not considered a greenhouse gas because it does not absorb infrared radiation effectively.
3. Step 3: Compare the listed gases. Carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), methane (CH\(_4\)), and ozone (O\(_3\)) are all known greenhouse gases because they absorb and emit infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
4. Step 4: Identify the gas that does not fit the definition of a greenhouse gas. Nitrogen (N\(_2\)) does not contribute to the greenhouse effect because it is largely inert and does not interact with infrared radiation.
5. Step 5: Conclude that nitrogen (N\(_2\)) is the correct answer to the question, as it is not a principal greenhouse gas.